BBC NEWS
You read in the news all the time about epidemics, natural disasters, famines....A lot of negative things are happening in the world. However, having media, like channels on T.V. and internet sites, allows us to access this information quickly. I know that when I read the news I am more grateful for my living situation in Canada, the clean water and ample food I have available here...thank you Media for the information!
The above commercial, and commercials like it promotes health, and reaches a large population....thank you Media!
Overall, although there are many negative aspects to media affecting our food choices, there are also some beneficial ones too.
Various forms of media (TV, Magazines, Movies, News, Billboards) will always be a part of the North American Culture, so hopefully we can move towards more and more health promoting ads, and less consumerism ads. I guess we'll have to wait and see....what do you think the trend is?
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Beautiful T.V.
"When a person we admire uses [a product, eats a certain type of food, is in a certain environment] it seems cool by association."
Grade school - toe socks were so in! The trend in my school was started by the 'popular girl'
Highschool - ipods were the new thing - if you had one, you were that much cooler...
When applying this concept to food, 'cool by association', I tend to think of watching influential T.V. shows like 'Friends' or 'Gossip Girl'. The women are beautiful, thin, wanted, and loved - assumingly because they are beautiful and thin. They also seem to either never eat, or eat only classy, healthy foods (think Sushi, or fine-dining)...or drink a lot of vodka. There's a song about how a girl is depressed because she "Will never be as pretty, as the girls on 'Friends'". What are we setting our nation up for, especially the young, influential girls, if often portrayed on T.V. is an unattainable ideal?
Look at any 'Sex in the City' episode or movie. They are always eating out, drinking Cosmo's, and never gain a pound. They are living the dream in New York, and often I wish I could do the same...I would love to be 'cool by association' and feel content in that environment....so the short and sweet of it is: Very few people can live the lifestyle of the girls in 'Friends', 'Gossip Girl', or 'Sex in the City' without gaining some weight, becoming broke, or having an unhealthy lifestyle. We are influenced by what we watch - and unfortunately even us knowing this doesn't mean we are going to stop watching these shows; they allow us to fantasize....and the commercials in between don't help our cause of trying to avoid junk food...
Lastly, on the topic of fantasizing comes in product placement again. We sometime idolize these characters represented in the shows, and will use what they use as it seems to work, and because we respect what these fake, non-existent characters use for reliable products; we sometimes base our decisions off their decisions. Is this messed up or what?
Anyways, I'm off to watch 'Sex and the City'...time for food!
References
http://www.docstoc.com/docs/16365132/Psychology-of-Product-Placement
Grade school - toe socks were so in! The trend in my school was started by the 'popular girl'
When applying this concept to food, 'cool by association', I tend to think of watching influential T.V. shows like 'Friends' or 'Gossip Girl'. The women are beautiful, thin, wanted, and loved - assumingly because they are beautiful and thin. They also seem to either never eat, or eat only classy, healthy foods (think Sushi, or fine-dining)...or drink a lot of vodka. There's a song about how a girl is depressed because she "Will never be as pretty, as the girls on 'Friends'". What are we setting our nation up for, especially the young, influential girls, if often portrayed on T.V. is an unattainable ideal?
Look at any 'Sex in the City' episode or movie. They are always eating out, drinking Cosmo's, and never gain a pound. They are living the dream in New York, and often I wish I could do the same...I would love to be 'cool by association' and feel content in that environment....so the short and sweet of it is: Very few people can live the lifestyle of the girls in 'Friends', 'Gossip Girl', or 'Sex in the City' without gaining some weight, becoming broke, or having an unhealthy lifestyle. We are influenced by what we watch - and unfortunately even us knowing this doesn't mean we are going to stop watching these shows; they allow us to fantasize....and the commercials in between don't help our cause of trying to avoid junk food...
Lastly, on the topic of fantasizing comes in product placement again. We sometime idolize these characters represented in the shows, and will use what they use as it seems to work, and because we respect what these fake, non-existent characters use for reliable products; we sometimes base our decisions off their decisions. Is this messed up or what?
Anyways, I'm off to watch 'Sex and the City'...time for food!
References
http://www.docstoc.com/docs/16365132/Psychology-of-Product-Placement
Monday, November 15, 2010
'Isn't it ironic - don't you think?'
I just got back from the gym and am battling with myself over the dilemma of 'to eat or not to eat?' While running on the elliptical I enjoy watching T.V. - it makes the time go by so much faster. The gym I go to happens to have 8 T.V.'s, meaning 4 different channels will be playing at the same time...PERFECT! :D
However, please watch the clip below then allow me to rant:
I personally love the Food Network, and have learned a lot about culture, ethnicity, and of course food items and food preparation. However, some of the shows on the network are obviously not shown to promote healthy eating, as the sole purpose is about delicious food fried in fat and then coated in salt and sugar. Isn't it ironic that the Food Network is showing a cooking show of deliciousness while we are running at the gym to burn off the deliciousness that we just ate? Vicious cycle if you ask me. Does anyone else have this issue? How is the gym promoting a healthy lifestyle when it has shows playing like 'Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives'? Does the food network promote over-eating? What are your thoughts?
My housemate and I always plan our mealtimes around when our favourite shows are on (I love free cable!). Or, if we are just scrolling through channels, will not allow ourselves to take a bite of our sandwich until we have settled into the couch. Food and T.V. just go so well together...sometimes it feels like there is no point of eating unless the T.V. is on; is there a problem with this? Yes! T.V. has influenced my life and many others' lives when it comes to self-restraint and food choices...how can we stop the cycle?
However, please watch the clip below then allow me to rant:
I personally love the Food Network, and have learned a lot about culture, ethnicity, and of course food items and food preparation. However, some of the shows on the network are obviously not shown to promote healthy eating, as the sole purpose is about delicious food fried in fat and then coated in salt and sugar. Isn't it ironic that the Food Network is showing a cooking show of deliciousness while we are running at the gym to burn off the deliciousness that we just ate? Vicious cycle if you ask me. Does anyone else have this issue? How is the gym promoting a healthy lifestyle when it has shows playing like 'Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives'? Does the food network promote over-eating? What are your thoughts?
My housemate and I always plan our mealtimes around when our favourite shows are on (I love free cable!). Or, if we are just scrolling through channels, will not allow ourselves to take a bite of our sandwich until we have settled into the couch. Food and T.V. just go so well together...sometimes it feels like there is no point of eating unless the T.V. is on; is there a problem with this? Yes! T.V. has influenced my life and many others' lives when it comes to self-restraint and food choices...how can we stop the cycle?
Friday, November 12, 2010
...and how does this make you feel?
Scroll down to the bottom fast through the images below:
So - How do you feel? Me - Im hungry and ready to go grab some junk food.
How are we supposed to be at a healthy weight as a nation when we are bombarded by images of delicious looking food on a daily basis from commercials, magazines, tv shows and movies, billboards.....
ahhhhhhhh!
Sunday, November 7, 2010
I spy with my little eye....
Ever wonder why after watching your favorite TV show you have a craving for a certain food? Often this is a result of 'product placement' (click to see some shameless product placement in movies you know). This is a form of advertisement, where brand names of products are placed in various forms of media that do not already contain advertisements, such as movies, the story line of television shows, or news programs.
Actual product placement falls into two categories: products or locations. Producers/manufacturers use ads to reduce the cost of production by getting paid by companies to have their products placed in for subliminal advertisement.
Consumers may not realize they have been targeted, but when they reach for a certain brand name over another, often there is reason behind this. Sometimes it's because it's what you grew up with, other times friends have recommended it, but this isn't always the case.
According to psychologists, seeing a product often makes it seem more functional for us to buy, and it is in the back of our minds when we are looking for a similar product.
The media is blurring the lines between manipulation, persuasion, and entertainment. We need to take a stand and recognize product placement for what it is to overcome mindless purchasing.
Josie and the Pussy Cats - A movie chock-full of advertisements.
Resources:
http://worstproductplacement.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Product_placement
http://www.docstoc.com/docs/16365132/Psychology-of-Product-Placement
Actual product placement falls into two categories: products or locations. Producers/manufacturers use ads to reduce the cost of production by getting paid by companies to have their products placed in for subliminal advertisement.
Consumers may not realize they have been targeted, but when they reach for a certain brand name over another, often there is reason behind this. Sometimes it's because it's what you grew up with, other times friends have recommended it, but this isn't always the case.
According to psychologists, seeing a product often makes it seem more functional for us to buy, and it is in the back of our minds when we are looking for a similar product.
The media is blurring the lines between manipulation, persuasion, and entertainment. We need to take a stand and recognize product placement for what it is to overcome mindless purchasing.
Josie and the Pussy Cats - A movie chock-full of advertisements.
Resources:
http://worstproductplacement.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Product_placement
http://www.docstoc.com/docs/16365132/Psychology-of-Product-Placement
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Mindlessly Overeating
PIRATES OF THE CARRIBEAN!!! (click to see Johnny Depp...mmm)
I love this movie - the music, action, romance, and era-depicting film is truly a joy to watch! However, when I sit down to this type of film often I also sit down to a bag of chips, or ice cream, or candy....I can't seem to help it. I'll consume mass quantities of junk without really paying attention to what I'm eating...mindless eating.
What movies do you eat excess in? Sad, happy? See the poll on the home page to vote for the movie the type of movie that makes you chow down! Movies about food (think 'Chocolat')...comment below with your guilty pleasure inducing film or film genre. 'Eat Pray Love' personally made me want pasta so bad...
I recently read a book by David Kessler called "The End of Overeating: Taking control of the insatiable North American Appetite." Below is what I learned....
Reference:
I love this movie - the music, action, romance, and era-depicting film is truly a joy to watch! However, when I sit down to this type of film often I also sit down to a bag of chips, or ice cream, or candy....I can't seem to help it. I'll consume mass quantities of junk without really paying attention to what I'm eating...mindless eating.
What movies do you eat excess in? Sad, happy? See the poll on the home page to vote for the movie the type of movie that makes you chow down! Movies about food (think 'Chocolat')...comment below with your guilty pleasure inducing film or film genre. 'Eat Pray Love' personally made me want pasta so bad...
I recently read a book by David Kessler called "The End of Overeating: Taking control of the insatiable North American Appetite." Below is what I learned....
In North America’s food-obsessed culture many people feel out of control and powerless in the tempting presence of food. The convenience and abundance of processed foods, coupled with the food industry’s strong marketing strategies, has contributed to an increase in the overweight population. The sugar, fat, and salt-loaded foods in many restaurants is an unavoidable temptation. Although food can be rewarding and comforting, it can also have a significant influence over our senses – namely sight, touch, taste, and smell. These senses tempt us to consume food that we find appealing in large quantities. This novel is directed towards educated North Americans who are either health-conscious individuals, struggling with weight, or who just can’t say ‘no’ to food. The book is composed of comparative research, personal experiences, humorous quips, and a conversational tone with which you can relate to. Among all these sections, emotional, behavioural, physical, and psychological issues are discussed with regards to consumers and their food habits. This novel does not attempt to provide universal solutions to these issues, but rather it suggests ways to help change one’s habits in order to address the fundamental problem within each individual. The content of this novel helps people understand the different factors that affect their consumption patterns and as a result, how to control their eating.
So, for anyone in the same boat as me - media influencing food intake (while watching a movie etc), and the Food Industry influencing food choices (think restaurant of high sugar, salt and fat), this book is an excellent resource! We can stop over eating. We can stop mindlessly eating.
Reference:
The End of Overeating: Taking Control of the Insatiable North American Appetite. Kessler D.A, 2009. McClelland & Stewart Ltd, www.mclelland.com. Softcover book, 324 pp, $21.00, ISBN 978-0-7710-9556-6.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Tricky Treats
Halloween!
A most wonderful time of the year, full of candy, chocolate, and costumes! Walking through the grocery store there are boxes of treats everywhere, waiting to be bought, then given away to tiny 'trick-or-treat-ers' wanting a sugar high. When I was younger my brothers and I would go trick-or-treating, come home with bulging candy sacks, and then trade our least favorites for the yummiest level of candy we could negotiate for. Then, we would sit down with our treats, and put on the TV...all night marathons of Halloween shows ensued!
Recently I watched one of my old Halloween favorites - Scooby Doo! I remember sitting and eating candy and chocolate til my stomach hurt, mesmerized by Scooby Doo and Shaggy's adventures, and marveling at their eating patterns. Those two can sure pack some food in! Plus, with the reinforcement of Scooby Snacks (click to see the theme song!) every time Scooby does something right, the show makes me realize that a lot of children have their behaviors reinforced with snacks...hmmmm...
This got me thinking about how children are influenced by what they see on T.V. After school snacks were eaten while watching 'Arthur' (D.W. is such a picky eater) or 'Sesame Street' (Cookie Monster anyone?). Eating behaviours in children are influenced by what they see on TV, with the additional factors of eating snacks while watching TV, as well as not playing/running around outside, becuase they are watching TV. However, I do know that 'Cookie Monster' has been replaced with 'Veggie Monster' but then why are childhood obesity rates on the rise?
This brings up the question about the rising rates of childhood obesity (see the 'Additional Information' tab) - If childrens' shows are getting more health conscious , why are childhood obesity rates on the rise?
A most wonderful time of the year, full of candy, chocolate, and costumes! Walking through the grocery store there are boxes of treats everywhere, waiting to be bought, then given away to tiny 'trick-or-treat-ers' wanting a sugar high. When I was younger my brothers and I would go trick-or-treating, come home with bulging candy sacks, and then trade our least favorites for the yummiest level of candy we could negotiate for. Then, we would sit down with our treats, and put on the TV...all night marathons of Halloween shows ensued!
Recently I watched one of my old Halloween favorites - Scooby Doo! I remember sitting and eating candy and chocolate til my stomach hurt, mesmerized by Scooby Doo and Shaggy's adventures, and marveling at their eating patterns. Those two can sure pack some food in! Plus, with the reinforcement of Scooby Snacks (click to see the theme song!) every time Scooby does something right, the show makes me realize that a lot of children have their behaviors reinforced with snacks...hmmmm...
This got me thinking about how children are influenced by what they see on T.V. After school snacks were eaten while watching 'Arthur' (D.W. is such a picky eater) or 'Sesame Street' (Cookie Monster anyone?). Eating behaviours in children are influenced by what they see on TV, with the additional factors of eating snacks while watching TV, as well as not playing/running around outside, becuase they are watching TV. However, I do know that 'Cookie Monster' has been replaced with 'Veggie Monster' but then why are childhood obesity rates on the rise?
This brings up the question about the rising rates of childhood obesity (see the 'Additional Information' tab) - If childrens' shows are getting more health conscious , why are childhood obesity rates on the rise?
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Advertisments
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| Does anyone understand this ad other than the fact that McDonalds delivers? Who is the target population for this? |
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| Target population - Teens/young adults. Yeah, Id hit that too. Is this ad appropriate though? |
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| Starbucks is getting in on the Holiday cheer by exploiting our happy feelings of the season, so that when we're out shopping we'll buy a toasty drink to warm our spritis |
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| Using attractive famous people to sell things: You will see a lot more of this as you scroll down. I personally like Jennifer Aniston, and her clear-cut image suits this ad. But really - selling water? Cant we pour from the tap for free? O wait, this water makes me smarter.... Ironic considering it is asking you to pay for something that is naturally free in North America. |
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| McDonald's is touching on your romantic evening time with this ad - maybe insinuating memories of star gazing as a child. |
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| Got Milk? Healthy ad - I like it! But once again, Famous Sells! Especially if it means that by drinking milk I can look like the Olsen twins! |
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| No wonder more and more children are over weight. Who wouldn't want a toy with their meal?! |
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| Everytime I see this ad I melt inside. I want this soooo bad. McDonald's here I come |
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| Purposely showing you how juicy and fresh McDonalds products are - does this make you crave a burger? |
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| Hilarious ad - definitely attention grabbing. |
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| Using a sexy, famous woman to sell a burger? Naughty. |
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| And again....o Brittany. |
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| YUM! And the popular Shrek appeals to a large variety of age groups...as does ice cream...group consensus means we are now headed to McDonalds |
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| This is taken from a commercial for Starbucks. Scarlett likes Starbucks, I like it too! AND its sexy. obviously. |
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| Making a regular afternoon activity, tea time, upper-class and more expensive. Does this influence you to go to Starbucks? |
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| An incentive to go to Tim Hortons: Prizes!!! |
Friday, October 15, 2010
Introduction - Time to Eat the Media
Think of your favorite movie - you are sitting on a cozy couch, good company, enjoying some delicious snacks. After the two hours of laughter and tears, the finale of the film has you realizing that the entire bag of chips is eaten, along with some ice cream, cookies...mindless eating.
Walking down the street you see a billboard advertisement for Tim Hortons begging you to grab a coffee and donut if you are on the go. Lucky you, you ARE on the go, and you definitely need some caffeine for your upcoming class. Tim Hortons, here you come!
Running at the gym, breaking a sweat. Whether you are running to tone, maintain, vamp up your cardio, or lose weight, the tv's help make time go by faster. However, the Food Network is on, and 'Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives' is tempting your taste buds as the host goes from diner to diner trying pancakes or pulled pork sandwiches dripping with deliciousness....it's a hard life going to the gym only to leave craving the calories you just burnt off.
You see in the news that there is a shortage of food in Burkina Faso - are you more likely to decrease the food you waste? Are you more likely to eat simpler, less processed foods to remain in good health; are you thankful for that health?
Fiber Plus granola bars - advertised in your magazine as a healthy option full of chocolate peanut butter goodness - is it time to change your snack brand?
Gossip Girl - you religiously watch this show every week. The girls are so classy, and sushi is on your mind for lunch now...mmmm
This blog is to focus on what the above topics are insinuating - how various forms of media effect your mindset and thereby effect what you choose to eat and when. This blog will also be touching on the idea of mindless eating, tips to counteract this, and also healthy alternatives to the sinful sweets you are tempted by on tv. As a fourth year nutrition student, I know the ins and outs of what is healthy and what is not. However, I'm always tempted by the idea of new fad diets in the clean-smelling books of Chapters. I watch a film and eat mindlessly. It can be hard to be healthy when there is so much health education within our lives in Canada, with media is still knocking at the door, tempting. Through this blog I hope to explore how I feel when influenced by different types of media, based on the way the food is portrayed. And hopefully, by reading my blog, you will become more aware of how media, specifically media promoting certain foods, influences you, often subliminally, and sometimes by socially acceptable means, such as popcorn at the theater. There's a whole world of food to be discovered, and we are about to do so, mentally, while learning more about how food and media effects our daily lives. Bon appetit!
Walking down the street you see a billboard advertisement for Tim Hortons begging you to grab a coffee and donut if you are on the go. Lucky you, you ARE on the go, and you definitely need some caffeine for your upcoming class. Tim Hortons, here you come!
Running at the gym, breaking a sweat. Whether you are running to tone, maintain, vamp up your cardio, or lose weight, the tv's help make time go by faster. However, the Food Network is on, and 'Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives' is tempting your taste buds as the host goes from diner to diner trying pancakes or pulled pork sandwiches dripping with deliciousness....it's a hard life going to the gym only to leave craving the calories you just burnt off.
You see in the news that there is a shortage of food in Burkina Faso - are you more likely to decrease the food you waste? Are you more likely to eat simpler, less processed foods to remain in good health; are you thankful for that health?
Fiber Plus granola bars - advertised in your magazine as a healthy option full of chocolate peanut butter goodness - is it time to change your snack brand?
Gossip Girl - you religiously watch this show every week. The girls are so classy, and sushi is on your mind for lunch now...mmmm
This blog is to focus on what the above topics are insinuating - how various forms of media effect your mindset and thereby effect what you choose to eat and when. This blog will also be touching on the idea of mindless eating, tips to counteract this, and also healthy alternatives to the sinful sweets you are tempted by on tv. As a fourth year nutrition student, I know the ins and outs of what is healthy and what is not. However, I'm always tempted by the idea of new fad diets in the clean-smelling books of Chapters. I watch a film and eat mindlessly. It can be hard to be healthy when there is so much health education within our lives in Canada, with media is still knocking at the door, tempting. Through this blog I hope to explore how I feel when influenced by different types of media, based on the way the food is portrayed. And hopefully, by reading my blog, you will become more aware of how media, specifically media promoting certain foods, influences you, often subliminally, and sometimes by socially acceptable means, such as popcorn at the theater. There's a whole world of food to be discovered, and we are about to do so, mentally, while learning more about how food and media effects our daily lives. Bon appetit!
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